Willamette University Top Questions

Visit the campus and take advantage of any tours or overnight offers. No matter how good the school looks on paper, you can't really know if it will fit until you've spent some time there. Ask specifically about student life and spend time in common spaces like cafes or the library. Also take a look at the buildings that house your favorite subjects- if they get you excited to be there, you've found the right place.

don't be impulsive or hasty. don't let admissions personnel tell you what a school is like, take the time to find out for yourself. be honest with yourself: why do you really want to go to a school? if the reason is because of its' reputation as a party school, and you want to party, be honest with yourself about that. don't kid yourself: college is tough, struggle-fests are frequent, but the people you'll meet will help you more than you'll ever know.

Look at class sizes and the interactions students have with Professors.

Don't assume that only "one" campus will make you happy. There are good things and bad things about every campus. Pick one, and enjoy where you are. There is something good about ever college campus- just find it.

For families or students who are concerned about finances, pay special attention to the financial aid packages offered by your prospective universities. Personally, my freshman year I was promised plenty of scholarships and grants, and despite my maintained superb academic status, the following years became a constant struggle to obtain loans that exceed all of my friend's debts who attended public universities. Define the aspects you find most important: financial aid, location, class size, majors/minors, etc. I made a spreadsheet to make these qualities more visually accessible. Apply to whichever schools appeal to you- many offer waivers for the application fee if they are filed online. If possible, visit the campuses and find out where you feel most comfortable and then choose, based on wherever fulfills your desires and needs!

Any college will offer a great educational base from which students will build on in their personal, work, or further academic life. It is important to find a place that has that inexplicable feeling of comfort when you are strolling through campus, for without that the whole experience is tainted. Peace of mind and comfort with where one is will lead to improved studying, socializing, and everything else one experiences at college. Never underestimate the power of open office hours, and furthermore, simply walking in to a professors office. Class time can be maybe the least productive part of college depending on your classmates, so make sure that you pick your professors brains as often as possible in a more intimate environment. Study with those who know their stuff including tutors, advisors, and the folks in class who sound like they know their stuff. Parents, your children will call you - just wait for them to and they will show their love and gratitude. 'Sup.

To students: To find the best college for you, you first need to discover what it is that you want to attain. Visit the colleges and talk to students beyond those involved in the campus tour. Although the tour guides are great, they are most likely the ones with the highest opinion of the college and may give you biased ideas about what you will experience. Find three subjects that you enjoy, and pursue them in your first few years. So much about college is finding yourself. expressing yourself, and discovering joy in the field that you choose. A common misconception is that you always need to be doing something while at college-- even when not studying. Sure, check out the various clubs and intramurals, but don't forget to simply sit down and relax with freinds every now and again. One thing you want to be able to say to yourself when you are standing on the podium, degree in hand, is "I know where I am going and I am happy with it". To Parents: Listen to your child and don't try and choose for them. The college itself doesn't matter, your love and support does.

Visit the campus! It is strange but a school will speak to you telling you if it is the right place for you. Talk to people - all kinds of people. When you get to your campus keep your dorm room open. No one wants to approach an unopened door. Say yes to all invitations to join people in activities whether it is just going to dinner or to the movies. Don't be shy - everyone else is probably as scared as you are even if they seem to know everyone on campus. Join Join Join - clubs, groups, intramurals - whatever you are interested in. Don't worry about not being good enough at something; if you try you will get better! Support your friends in their interests (sports, music, drama) - be a real friend. Discover the area outside your campus. Take part in study abroad. Can't emphisize this one enought. Network for classes, jobs, internships; your school is full of resources - use them! Talk to your professors - often. Remember to email your family about your good and bad times, but especially the good. Keep a journal. It will be over sooner than you think.

The greatest advice I would give to prospective college students is to focus on everything except money. Apply to the schools you have the most desire to go to and the ones that can provide the most for your future, finances will take care of themselves and most schools do an excellent job of accommodating financial need for students accepted into the institution. The most important thing to consider in your college search where you want to go. Also, use resources at your disposal like interviews with alumni and interaction with the college coaches if you are an athlete. Where there's a will, there's a way. College is a rare opportunity to start anew and discover the person you really are. In order to make the most of your college experience, do the things that make you most happy while still following through on academics and athletics. College is an incredible opportunity to make connections with new people and develop an impressive resume, but it is also a time to have fun and enjoy life. Responsibility is important in college but it is unique and this kind of opportunity to improve oneself will rarely ever come along again.

I think the best thing to do is to tour schools of different types (ex, big vs small, liberal vs conservative) and see what kind of vibe you get from the visits. It's best to go during peak times and to sit in on classes and spend the night. Try to talk to students on campus. My experience has been that most will be happy to stop and answer a few questions. Finding the right fit in a college makes the experience infinitely better. You want to find a college where you can grow into your own person and be the person that in the end you want to be.